Local Services
Reminders about current opportunities
► Applications for Alan M. Painter grant funds are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15 — Funds for community projects that let unincorporated area residents participate in or connect to their communities and King County. Learn more
► Businesses can still apply for funds to repair vandalized commercial buildings — Businesses with up to 25 employees and commercial property owners in unincorporated King County can apply for up to $5,000 to repair damage to commercial buildings. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through Dec. 31 or until funds are used up. Learn more and apply
► Applications for County Conservation Futures grants are due Feb. 12 — These grants help government agencies and qualified nonprofits buy or preserve open spaces and parks for passive recreation. Learn more, sign up for workshops, and apply on the Conservation Futures website. Contact [email protected] with questions.
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Natural Resources and Parks
On the way to grandmother’s house— you can help save salmon!
Drivers can take a small action to help protect clean water: check your car tire pressure monthly, and if it's low, add air as soon as possible to reduce wear.
The website at DontWaittoInflate.org shows you how to save money and salmon at the same time. It shows drivers of all experience levels how easy it is to check and inflate their car tires for safer driving and cleaner water.
Puget Sound and salmon are at risk from rainwater runoff that picks up pollutants like tire particles and washes them into local waterways. That runoff is carrying a newly identified toxic chemical from tires: 6PPD-q, which kills coho salmon. Tire tips and information are available on the site in English, Spanish/Español, Korean/한국어, and Vietnamese/Tiếng Việt. Brought to you by the Puget Sound Starts Here city, county, and nonprofit partners.
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Help out your local park
Join the King County Parks Volunteer Program outside in December to support the health of Skyway Park or the Sammamish River Trail.
• Skyway Park - Dec. 2 - Register
• Sammamish River Trail (Woodinville) - Dec. 9 - Register
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Share maintenance issues at King County Parks through SeeClickFix
Have you spotted some downed tree limbs, flooding, or general maintenance issues that need to be addressed at a King County Park? The best way to let Parks staff members know is to submit a ticket on SeeClickFix. You can also check back to see if your issue has been addressed.
Hazard Management
Fire safety: protect your holiday season
December is a peak month for home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The combination of festive decorations, cooking, and heating devices can pose serious dangers.
To ensure a safe and joyful celebration, take some preventive measures:
► Inspect holiday lights for frayed or pinched wires.
► Keep flammable items away from heat sources.
► Never leave candles unattended and consider using battery-operated flameless candles instead.
► When cooking, stay in the kitchen and have a fire extinguisher handy.
► Test smoke detectors to make sure they're working.
► Water living Christmas trees every day and dispose of them after the holidays or when they’re dry.
A focus on safety will help everyone cherish the moments that matter. Share these tips with friends and family to help make this festive season merry, bright, and safe. Learn more about fire safety on the King County website.
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Public Health
Public Health Kent COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic is open for children and adults
The Updated COVID-19 vaccine is available for adults and children aged six months and older.
• There is NO COST if you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t fully cover the cost.
• If you have insurance, please bring your insurance information. Most insurance covers the cost.
• A FREE flu shot is available when you get a COVID-19 shot.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm to 6 pm
NEW! Park and Vax on Wednesdays. If you need to be vaccinated in your car, call 206-477-6950 to schedule a Park and Vax appointment.
Schedule an appointment:
• Online at kingcounty.gov/kentvaccine (in English, Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Russian)
• Call 206-477-6950 and choose option #5. Ask for your language if you need an interpreter.
• Drop-in vaccinations are also available without an appointment.
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Open enrollment for health insurance plans in Washington ends Dec. 15
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Shop and compare health and dental insurance plans at wahealthplanfinder.org through Dec. 15 for health coverage that starts Jan. 1. This year, everyone who lives in Washington State will have the opportunity to sign up for insurance, regardless of their immigration status.
Public Health’s Community Health Access Program has staff members who can help you find affordable insurance options, answer questions, and help you apply. Call 1-800-756-5437 or send email to [email protected].
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WSU Extension
Learning opportunities for King County forest owners from WSU Extension
Join one of Washington State University Extension’s Forest Stewardship Coached Planning courses to learn everything you need to know about caring for your forested or wooded property, including how to write your own personalized forest stewardship plan that could help qualifying landowners save money on property taxes through King County's Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS) program. Participants will receive a site visit to their property by a professional forester. Cost: $150. Pre-registration is required.
1. Online Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course – starts January 18, 2024. Cost: $150. Pre-registration required.
2. In-person course on Vashon Island – starts February 21. Cost $175. Pre-registration is required.
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Arts and Culture
Artists can still apply to exhibit their works at 4Culture
4Culture is accepting applications from artists for the 2024-2025 season. This is a great opportunity for artists who are looking for space to show their work. Apply through Dec. 14 at 4Culture.org.
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Rural Area News
Joint Transportation Initiative of unincorporated area councils, associations, and organizations meets with King County Road Services Division
On October 30, the Joint Transportation Initiative met with Road Services Deputy Director Ruth Harvey and several members of her staff. Topics discussed were proposed locations for active transportation projects; haul-route agreements; and city growth impacts to county roads.
—Submitted by Susan Harvey, Chair, Joint Transportation Initiative
Joint Team of unincorporated area councils, associations, and organizations meets with King County Permitting Division
On October 23, several of the Joint Team’s organizations met with Local Services Director John Taylor and members of the Permitting Division. In-depth discussions related to recent unpermitted actions at the Reserve Silica site in Ravensdale. On November 6, at the Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council Monthly Meeting, Taylor provided more details and committed to provide answers to specific questions related to these activities.
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Chair, Growth Management Committee, Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Greater Maple Valley News
Review of Black Diamond master-planned developments traffic model and analyses
In October the city of Black Diamond’s traffic consultant, Parametrix, released its Transportation Model Update for its Master-Planned Developments—6,050 homes and 1.15M square feet of commercial space. The Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council has commented on these developments since 2010 and, more recently, held multiple meetings with city staff on the model update. The Parametrix report details many impacts to King County roads and key intersections in southeast King County, such as Kent Kangley Road/Landsburg Road and SE Auburn Black Diamond/218th Avenue SE. There also are large impacts expected to major thoroughfares in the cities of Covington and Maple Valley.
:: Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton
See blog for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
:: Enumclaw Plateau Community Association
Third Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Muckleshoot Library (King County Library branch)
39917 Auburn Enumclaw Road SE, Auburn
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information email Nancy Merrill.
:: Fall City Community Association
First Tuesdays – Hybrid meeting (virtual and in-person, 7-8:30 pm)
Fall City Fire Department meeting room
4301 334th Place SE, Fall City
The Fall City Community Association promotes building of community, proactively communicates on local issues, and takes action on selected issues that affect the Fall City community. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org or email send email.
:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council
Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.
:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, December 4, 7-9:30 pm – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station
22225 SE 231st St (across from the King County Sheriff’s Precinct #3)
Visit the website for the agenda and Zoom information, which will be posted several days before the meeting.
:: Green Valley/Lake Holm Association
The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for those who live in unincorporated southeast King County. Primary goals are to maintain the community’s unique historic, agricultural, and rural character; protect the environment; and sustain quality of life in the area. They engage regularly with local government agencies to address concerns and influence policies on topics of mutual interest, such as growth and development, transportation, public safety, and flood control. Stay connected by visiting their Facebook page.
:: North Highline Unincorporated Area Council
Monthly board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, email Liz Giba.
:: Skywest Tool Library
Working to start a new tool library in Skyway. The purpose of the library will be to share ideas, teach, learn, and borrow tools and more. To learn more, email [email protected].
:: Upper Bear Creek Community Council
Public Forum: on-site sewage system code changes
Tuesday, Dec, 19, 6-7:30 pm
On-site sewage system code changes
Staff members from Public Health-Seattle and King County will provide information on Washington State's proposed changes to Chapter 246-272A of the Washington Administrative Code, which regulates minimum requirements for septic system design, construction, and maintenance. They will also present the schedule and proposed process for updating King County's Board of Health Title 13 regarding on-site sewage systems. All interested community members are welcome to attend.
For information about the council, call Nancy Stafford at 425-788-5841 or visit the Facebook page and/or website. (Note: both the Facebook page and the website are currently being updated.)
:: Vashon Chamber of Commerce
Send email or visit the website.
:: Vashon-Maury Community Council
Meetings are open to all and are held on the third Thursday of each month, both online and in-person. Topics include affordable housing, ferries, election candidates, transportation, aviation noise, and more. The council sets up committees and passes resolutions to King County and other organizations as needed. Voting membership is free and open to residents 18 and older. To learn more, visit the website.
:: West Hill Community Association
Meetings are in person or via Zoom
Skyway Fire District 20 Admin Building
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, send email or visit the website.
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